Nazarene Communications Network Global News Summary ~ Volume 1407 for Friday, 14 February 2014

Nazarene Communications Network  Global News Summary ~ Volume 1407 for Friday, 14 February 2014
Arkansas church destroyed in fire 
The Forest Home Church of the Nazarene in Jonesboro, Arkansas, was destroyed in a fire early Thursday morning. The fire was reported around 3 a.m. by drivers passing by the church. Jonesboro police at the scene said no one was injured. City Fire Marshal Jason Wills declared the building a total loss. A cause has not been determined. "Between the Jonesboro Fire Marshal's office, state police, and Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), we're gonna get everything we can to get it figured out," Wills told KAIT 8. Forest Home Pastor Ken Stallings told KAIT 8 the situation was heartbreaking. "[It's] one of the most sickening sights you'll ever see, to see your church burning down," he said. The church is not alone in its time of need, however. "We have received calls, emails, and contacts from people saying, 'How can we help?,'" Stallings told the news station. "We are grateful to the community for their response and their outpouring of love to us." The church held a prayer service on Thursday night for the congregation. "Our church 'building' may have burned to the ground but our church, Forest Home Church, stood tall, whole, complete, and without fret this evening," church member Chip Kelman wrote on Facebook after the service. "I am so proud of my brothers and sisters, our pastor, and our church leadership." The service and board meeting were held at the nearby children and youth building, where services will be held temporarily. "We're able to operate out of there a little bit," Stallings told KAIT 8. "And the plan was to someday do Phase Two up there. It could be that's a little sooner rather than later now, but certainly a lot to work through before that takes place." Continued prayer is requested for the Forest Home church family.
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International Board of Education releases global statistics 
Official enrollment figures are in for the Church of the Nazarene's 53 colleges, universities, and seminaries around the world. These institutions reported a total of 50,390 degree-seeking students for the 2013 school year. While this all-inclusive number represents a slight decline from last year, most of the individual institutions continue a pattern of growth through the past decade. In 2013, International Board of Education schools educated 18,153 more degree-seeking students than a decade ago. These are challenging times for higher education in general, and Christian higher education is not exempt from the challenges presented by economic trends, new technologies, shifting politics, and competition created by institutions and organizations providing free content. However, IBOE school leaders and governing boards are working together with their regional education coordinators to create creative responses, which include diversified delivery systems, consortium agreements, and collaborating on projects that result in shared resources. Choosing where to engage in education for life and service continues to be one of the most important discipleship decisions a person will make. Regardless of the level of the degree, from diploma to PhD, or the field of study, it is a significant season in the development and spiritual formation of the student. Nazarene higher education provides opportunities for students to be formed and trained as followers of Jesus and leaders who live and serve from a Christian worldview. Education has been a core commitment of the Church of the Nazarene since the denomination's inception, and the International Board of Education schools remain one of the great treasures God has given the church in advancement of His mission in the world. "Our Nazarene college, university, and seminary leaders need the prayers of the people of God," said Dan Copp, education commissioner for the denomination. "We want to encourage you to regularly lift our school leaders to the Lord in your daily prayer. These Godly leaders faithfully serve their schools and the church, and your prayer support will help them lead wisely in times when changes create tremendous opportunities." To learn more and for guides on offering prayers of support for these leaders, visit the IBOE website. A full list of schools is also available. "If you are a potential student considering where you might attend school, take a close look at our Nazarene schools as a valuable choice for your education and continued discipleship," Copp said. "If you are a parent, pastor, teacher, or friend offering counsel to a student considering where to go to school, consider our Nazarene schools where students are intentionally nurtured as disciples of Jesus to engage in the mission to make Christlike disciples in the nations." For the 2013 higher education global statistics report, click here. --International Board of Education (Facebook.com/NazareneIBOE, Twitter.com/NazareneIBOE)
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Momentum building around abolition movement 
You know that saying, "The right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing"? Considering the biblical analogy of the Church to the human body, that might adequately describe where the Nazarene denomination has been until now in the area of human trafficking, or global slavery. While scattered local churches have begun individual ministries in the area of modern slavery, the general church may not be aware of them. That's why a handful of people with a concern on the issue are beginning to talk about developing a denomination-wide approach to joining the growing abolition movement around the world. It's hard to pinpoint where and how things have started for the Church of the Nazarene. But several involved point to the social justice conference held at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee, in September 2013 as the moment when a kind of grassroots momentum around abolition began to build. For the rest of this story, see Engage magazine. Related, from Nazarene Compassionate Ministries: "Freedom Sunday: A day to stand against human trafficking"
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EuNC Leadership Conference focuses on discipleship 
Nazarenes from across Europe gathered in Barcelona, Spain, around cups of coffee to discuss how they could more effectively integrate discipleship into the life of their local churches. About 150 students, faculty, pastors, lay leaders, and district superintendents attended European Nazarene College's annual Leadership Conference, held January 27 through 30 this year. The conference was held in collaboration with the Western Mediterranean Field (Spain, France, Portugal, Italy) and the Spain District, which are making discipleship a main focus for 2014. There were also attendees from the Northern Europe, Central Europe, and CIS fields. Sessions focused on a variety of settings for discipleship, starting with the broadest level — corporate discipleship in the church setting — to discipleship in small groups, in the family, and then between individuals. "Discipleship is not 'one dimensional' (a course or a program or a single church ministry)," said Klaus Arnold, rector of EuNC. "All of church life and the personal Christian life is connected to discipleship — as Christians we are disciples all of our lives and in all the relationships we are in." Keynote speakers included two U.S.-based pastors, Gene Tanner from Valparaiso, Indiana, Church of the Nazarene and David Leeder from Kokomo, Indiana, First Church of the Nazarene, as well as Europe-based leaders Pastors Antonie and Wilma Holleman from Kerk van de Nazarener Zaanstad and Jayme Himmelwright, a missionary in Portugal. General Superintendent J. K. Warrick also led several services. Each speaker emphasized that discipleship is about relationship with Christ and others, and is not a formula, strategy, or program. "It's a way of life, a personal, passionate devotion to a person, Jesus Christ, not an adherence to a creed," Leeder said. Antonie Holleman explained that "a disciple is a person who loves the Lord and his neighbor as himself. Discipleship and holiness is the same thing. Discipleship is not a program." Between sessions, participants met in groups by district or ministry to discuss the principles and ideas presented and how they could adapt them to their own culture and context. The topic of discipleship was timely, many said. In fact, it was something that "we had just discussed at youth group," said Monica Boseff, a leader in the Blessings Church of the Nazarene in Bucharest, Romania. She said that just as the Hollemans described trying to implement discipleship across varying generations in their local church, her youth group was seeking ways to connect with older generations. "It confirmed what we already discussed," she said. "We really need to know more about discipleship. We want to do it, but we want to be efficient, purposeful, with a vision." Susana Gomes, a Sunday School superintendent in the Santa Clara, Coimbra, Portugal, Church of the Nazarene, said she hoped to learn key ideas she could take back to her congregation. Her church is already planning to start life groups — smaller groups that meet in homes for support and discipleship — and this was an idea that Tanner had presented in one of his sessions. "Most of the people that go to [our] church are not within the area of the church, they are spread," Gomes said. That's why the idea of having small group meetings in homes was gaining steam. Pastor Fred Marius, from Église Protestante du Nazaréen de Fontenay-sous-Bois in Paris, echoed that his church was starting home-based meetings, in line with what was presented at the conference. "In our return from this conference, we're going to really make the emphasis on each one choose a cell site to pour themselves into," he said. Arnold was pleased by the variety of participants. "What I liked about our Leadership Conference is that we had pastors and lay leaders and students together thinking, praying, and planning for discipleship in their districts and local churches," he said. "It is important that discipleship is not just discussed among the leadership but that the local churches get involved and 'do it.'" EuNC has coursework dedicated to the topic of discipleship, which should continue to support the development of the ideas for those students who are studying in the program. "We are offering different courses helping to see our students (and future pastors and leaders) the place and importance of discipleship in the church's ministry," Arnold said. Some of the sessions were recorded. The recordings and additional material will be posted on the Wesleyan Holiness Digital Library website for those who were unable to attend. --Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region
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SDMI presents Second Mile Award 
Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International Director Woodie Stevens presented Linda G. Hardin with the Second Mile Award for 25 years of service to SDMI. Hardin has been the Women's and Single Adult Ministries coordinator for the Church of the Nazarene since 1988. The award was presented at a district leadership conference held in Charleston, South Carolina, held January 21 through 23. "It has been my greatest privilege to work with many outstanding leaders for the cause of Christ," Hardin said. "My life has been blessed and enriched beyond words for the honor of serving Him." Through her role in Women's Ministries, Hardin represented the denomination on the Women's Commission of the National Association of Evangelicals and chaired the Women's Ministries General Council from 1995 to the present. Hardin developed and maintained a speakers list for women and single adults events, wrote and produced Lay Ministries Studies for Women, and produced and developed Continuing Lay Training videos for women's ministries. She has been the editor of the Women's Ministries Handbook for Leaders, including the Spanish edition, and she has planned and coordinated women's ministries events at General Assembly, leadership conferences, and district events. She also provided leadership for "I Care About…Children," Come to the Fire, the Women's Ministry Consortium, the Pastors' Wives Resources website, Monthly Musings, clergywomen's conferences, and the Mor2Lif Video Bible Studies. During her work with Single Adult Ministries, Hardin compiled and edited The Faces of Single Adult Ministries and expanded SoloCon to North Central, SunCoast, and the Great Lakes. She started SoloPac (a ministry for single parents and children) in addition to leading the Leadership Training Conference for Lay Ministries Studies for Single Adult Ministries, producing and developing a Continuing Lay Training video for Single Adult Ministries, serving on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Single Adult Leaders, developing a SoloCon partnership with Free Methodist and Wesleyan denominations, and participating in South America Region conferences. Hardin developed the first-ever Single Adult Ministries Handbook for Leaders and hosted Single Adult Ministry gatherings at General Assembly in 1989, 1993, 1997, and 2001. She has assisted in the formation of Nazarene Fellowship of Single Adults and its transition into Bridges Ministries. Hardin produced Breckenridge '08, a discipleship model for young adults, and she was a Young Adult Ministries workshop presenter at recent Pastors and Leaders Conferences (PALCON) and at M11. In 2000, Hardin earned a Doctorate of Ministry degree from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Lombard, Illinois. Her dissertation focused on a pastoral care model for never-married adults. --Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International
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Additional NCNNews.com Stories This Week
Regional News
Asia-Pacific
KNU awards Louw honorary doctorate
During Korea Nazarene University's 57th Commencement Exercise, Asia-Pacific Regional Director Mark Louw was presented with an honorary Doctor of Divinity. This is the first honorary doctorate degree the university has awarded.
Two separate graduation exercises were held due to the number of graduates. More than 1,000 degrees were presented, ranging from undergraduate to doctoral degrees. Northwest Nazarene University President David Alexander was the commencement speaker.
In a separate event, KNU President Min Gyoo Shin, Alexander, and Louw participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony that marked the start of the university's 60th anniversary celebration.
They also attended a pinning ceremony for 33 graduates from the nursing program who are now registered nurses with guaranteed jobs in hospitals.
Louw, who was ordained as an elder on the USA's Sacramento District in 1997, has served as Asia-Pacific regional director since 2012. Prior to this assignment, Louw served as Africa West Field strategy coordinator, Africa Region education coordinator, and in roles as youth pastor and senior pastor on the Sacramento District.
Mark, his wife, Linda, and their youngest daughter Alexandra, currently reside in Singapore, home of the Asia-Pacific Regional Office. Since his appointment as regional director in September 2012, Louw has emphasized the intentional development of local and national leaders, district and local church development, cohesive education, and the pursuit of creative initiatives to promote going beyond the walls in taking the church where it is not yet.
A native of South Africa, Louw received a Bachelor of Arts in Letters, Arts and Sciences from Pennsylvania State University. He completed his master's at the University of Manchester/Nazarene Theological College-Manchester. His MA thesis was titled, "Character formation through learning in community." Mark and Linda have served as global missionaries since 1999.
Louw was chosen for an honorary doctorate because of the dedicated service and outstanding leadership he has displayed as regional director and throughout his lifetime.
The Louws have four daughters: Kathryn, Kirstin Henger (son-in-law Pascal Henger), Johanna, and Alexandra.--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
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NTC-Indonesia welcomes special guests
January was a special time for Nazarene Theological College-Indonesia. The month was filled with special visits by General Superintendent David A. Busic and Asia-Pacific Regional Director Mark Louw, alumni events, and a district assembly.
Busic, who visited with his wife, Christi, said it was a special visit as it was the couple's first trip to Indonesia and they had a chance to personally meet their Indonesian Nazarene brothers and sisters. Louw, his wife, Linda, and daughter Alexandra were also blessed by the opportunity to visit.
The guests visited the campus January 9 through 12.
On January 10, NTC-Indonesia hosted a welcome service in Yogyakarta for the Busics and Louws, which included pastors and several churches' members.
During his visit, David Busic shared in two services to more than 120 people who gathered together in the NTC-Indonesia chapel. He spoke from Matthew 16:18, "And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." The message emphasized the power of the church that has been established by Christ.
The next day, the special guests met with NTC-Indonesia teachers and staff, and Busic again encouraged the group with a message from Philippians 1:2 about grace and peace from God.
Upon completion of a campus tour that included dormitories, classrooms, and offices, Busic closed the visit with a prayer for the school, staff, students, and professors.
The New Year blessings continued on January 21 during a special one-day gathering for alumni. Tata Patmawiraga, president of the alumni union, encouraged all alumni to support NTC-Indonesia as their alma mater.
"We are here as we are now because of what we received when we were students at INTC," Patmawiraga said. "How can we show our thanks to this institution? Who will care and support this college if not us? It is time for us to do something for our beloved alma mater!"
Many alumni shared stories of difficulties, but also stories of God's blessings for them as they minister in their churches. The stories served as evidence that God is faithful to His servants.
On January 22, the Java-Bali District held its 35th District Assembly. Nazarene pastors and delegates came from across the Java and Bali Islands.
During the assembly, NTC-Indonesia Rector Alex Suranto gave a report expressing thanks to all Nazarene6 churches on the district. He explained that NTC-Indonesia and the Nazarene churches are united and cannot be separated. The local churches and districts need NTC-Indonesia to produce alumni that are able to disciple the church and plant new churches. At the same time, NTC-Indonesia needs churches to partner with the college through prayer, finances, and assisting in the recruitment of new future leaders to attend the school.--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region
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Eurasia
GMC Flags of the Nations: Italy
Since September 1, 2009, the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center (GMC) proudly flies a flag each week of one of the many nations in which the denomination is present in ministry. Leaders were invited to send a national flag to be flown at the GMC alongside the flag of the United States*. The national flags rotate weekly, and photos of them raised are sent to the church leaders of that country.
This week: Italy
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Italy in 1948.
Italy had a population of 61,482,297 in 2013. That same year, Italy reported seven Churches of the Nazarene, all of which had been officially organized. Italy has 227 total members.
Italy is a Phase 1 district on the Eurasia Region. For more information, visit eurasiaregion.org.
Previous flags featured:
Argentina
Aruba
Belize
Benin
Bolivia
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Chile
Colombia
Côte d'Ivoire
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Equatorial Guinea Ethiopia
France
Gabon
Guatemala
Germany
Ghana
Guam
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Conakry
Guyana
Haiti
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Liberia
Madagascar Mali
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Paraguay
Peru
Senegal
Sierra Leone
South Africa
Suriname
Swaziland
Togo
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Venezuela
NOTE: Some countries cannot be represented in this project in order to maintain security of those working there.
* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.
The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.
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Mesoamerica
Mesoamerica Region news briefs
District Assembly season is well underway on the Mesoamerica Region. The following actions were reported:
A joint, two-day assembly chaired by Regional Director Carlos Saenz was held for the Cuba East and West districts. More than 600 delegates attended the event, where eight new churches and 500 new members were announced. José Alberto Rojas was elected superintendent of the East District on the fourth ballot. Leonel Lopez was re-elected as superintendent of the West District. Retired Church of the Nazarene Education Commissioner E. LeBron Fairbanks held a training seminar for local church boards and pastors.
General Superintendent Gustavo A. Crocker received Jean Pierre Antoine's last report as superintendent of the Haiti Lower Artibonite District at the assembly in Saint Marc. Antonine is now the field strategy coordinator of the French Field. Fritzner Aristyl was elected the new superintendent on the first ballot with 132 of 197 votes.
During the Haiti Northeast District Assembly in Lembe, delegates chose Garnier Anathole to serve as superintendent. He was elected on the second ballot with 186 of 225 votes. 
On the Mexico East District, superintendent Joaquín Ocaña was re-elected for a four-year term at the assembly in Campeche. Ocaña serves with his wife, Arelis Cruz.
Anselmo Jimenez Maldonado was re-elected as superintendent of the Mexico Olmeca District during the assembly in Villhermosa. Crocker and Saenz attended the assembly.
Mexico Sierra Madre de Chiapas District Superintendent Manuel Molina was re-elected to a two-year term. Crocker and Saenz presided over the assembly in Concordia. Crocker challenged the leaders present to work hard to move to the next phase as a district.
The Mexico South Pacific District held its assembly at Arriaga First Church of the Nazarene. Mario Suarez Flores was appointed superintendent for two years.
At the Panama Central District's 47th assembly in Anc‡on, Carlos de la Cruz was elected district superintendent. Crocker ordained Pastor Lewis of the Juan Diaz Church of the Nazarene and presented a message. Saenz led portions of the assembly.--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region
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South America
Graduations conclude across South America Region
Higher education institutions across the South America Region recently held commencement ceremonies to honor 2013 graduates.
NTS-Southern Cone
Nazarene Theological Seminary-Southern Cone in Pilar, Argentina, held its graduation ceremony on November 16.
The seminary's 28 graduates came from districts across the Southern Cone Field, which includes Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. The ceremony featured prayers of thanksgiving, songs of praise, words of encouragement for the graduates, musical performances, testimonies of graduates on behalf of their colleagues, the presentation of certificates, gifts for the graduates, and a message from the Word of God preached by Southern Cone Field Strategy Coordinator Juan José Zani.
Others in attendance included Regional Education Coordinator Jorge Julca and North and South Uruguay District Superintendent Jesús Bernat.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, a cake was cut and a time of fellowship was enjoyed by those present.
To request a DVD of the ceremony, send an email to stn.eted@gmail.com. For a complete list of graduates and their degrees, click here.
NTS-South America
The 25th Nazarene Theological Seminary-South America commencement was held in Quito, Ecuador, on November 22.
The Class of 2013 included 21 students and was named in honor of Liliana Almeida. Attendees included Regional Education Coordinator Jorge Julca. 
For a complete list of graduates and their degrees, click here.
NTS-Peru
The Nazarene Theological Seminary-Peru graduation was held in Chiclayo on December 5. 
The ceremony coincided with the Church of the Nazarene's 100th anniversary in Peru. More than 800 people attended the graduation, including Julca and district superintendents and pastors from Peru.
Each year the celebration is unique. This year, fellowship, meals, thanksgiving, and nostalgia nourished the meeting. Church of the Nazarene Education Commissioner Dan Copp preached a message from Philippians 4:1-6.
The 44 graduates took the name of "Dr. Francisco Cabanillas A." For a complete list of graduates and their degrees, click here. 
NBI-Amazon
Nazarene Bible Institute of the Amazon held its graduation ceremony on December 7 in Peru.
The 2013 class included five students. Copp visited the school for the first time and presented the graduation message. 
Others present included Julca, Republic of Peru Congressman Eduardo Nayap Kinin, and NTS-Peru Rector Evelio Vásquez and his wife, Pastor Gladis Bereche de Vásquez. 
Nazarene Bible Institute of the Amazon is located on the banks of the Marañon River in the province of Bagua, Amazonas. The school was founded in the 1970s by Larry Garman to prepare leaders and pastors among the Awajún and Huambisas tribes. For more than four decades, it has served the Church of the Nazarene in these communities and other neighboring provinces. Oscar Esamat serves as director of the institute.--Church of the Nazarene South America Region
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USA/Canada
Ohio church mourns pastor
William "Bill" Van Meter didn't become a pastor until he was 45.
However, once he was chosen as the pastor of Hebron Nazarene Church, he dedicated his life to the congregation, said his wife, Raymona Van Meter.
"He was constantly working. He loved the Lord and loved working for him," she said. "He never felt it was a job. To him it was a pleasure."
The congregation of Hebron Nazarene Church is mourning alongside Raymona and her family. After 24 years there, Bill died Saturday at age 69.
"He had such an influence and an impact on their lives," she said. "He was a wonderful pastor."
A resident of Reynoldsburg, Bill spent years as a supervisor for a general contracting company and was active in his church, Raymona said.
"He felt like God was telling him there was something else he needed to do," she said.
After attending Mount Vernon Nazarene University, he was asked to lead the Hebron Nazarene Church.
"The church was (struggling)," Raymona said. "He was told, 'If you don't make it work within a year, we are going to close the doors.'"
Bill was able to turn the church around, increasing the congregation from about six adults to about 130 people.
"It was his love for people. They knew he cared about them, and people bring other people," she said.
Bill was always willing to drop whatever he was doing to visit a parishioner who was sick or needed to be counseled.
When Hebron flooded in March 2012, he rushed to the church to assess the damage. When he discovered the fellowship hall had been flooded, he began working to make repairs.
"He physically was out there pulling carpet and working on walls," Raymona said. "He was always thinking of others."
Although he had Parkinson's disease, it never slowed him down, she said.
"He didn't use that as an excuse," she said. "He always felt the Lord would take care of him."
Under his leadership, the church added a new welcome center last summer. He was in the process of remodeling the sanctuary.
"He constantly had a vision for the church to move forward," she said.
Bill's sudden death was a shock to everyone who knew him, Raymona said.
It will be up to the church's district superintendent to decide who will follow in Bill's footsteps. Raymona said she plans to continue to attend the church, although she likely won't be as active.
"I'm planning to still be there and be part of the family there, because it is a family," she said. "We are just going to miss our shepherd."
Visitation will be held for Bill from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Kirkersville home of Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service. A funeral service will be held Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at the Hebron Nazarene Church.
Reprinted with permission from the Newark Advocate.
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Trevecca's social justice center accepts role with NCM
The J. V. Morsch Center for Social Justice at Trevecca Nazarene University will soon serve the Church of the Nazarene denomination in a new capacity. On January 30, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries USA/Canada invited the Center to lead its program for food security in North America. 
In his invitation to Trevecca's Center for Social Justice, NCM USA/Canada Regional Coordinator Jay Height explained why NCM wanted to work with the Center. 
"The amazing work you are doing could be impactful to [Churches of the Nazarene] as we attempt to meet the growing needs of our neighbors," Height said. "You are a model of true biblical compassion, and a strategy that is easily duplicable among [Churches of the Nazarene]."
News of this new partnership pleased Jamie Casler, director of the J. V. Morsch Center. 
"The faculty and staff of the Center are excited by the prospects of working with NCM," Casler said. "We are always pleased to share what we have learned through Trevecca's urban farming programs, efforts to plant community gardens, and partnerships with local schools and neighborhoods. We look forward to being part of NCM's effort to help persons on this continent and in other countries to create sustainable food supplies."
Casler explained that the Center will develop resources and curriculum materials for use by Churches of the Nazarene that want to develop their own food security programs. The Center will release additional details about its responsibility as they are decided.--Trevecca Nazarene University
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Former missionary Brian Vanciel remembered
Brian Vanciel, 90, passed away on January 24. He was a retired minister, missionary, and educator, serving in the U.S., Haiti, and Saipan.
He served as a missionary to Haiti from 1956 to 1961 and went on to pastor the Fayetteville, Arkansas, Church of the Nazarene; the Woodlake, California, Church of the Nazarene; and Petaluma, California, Church of the Nazarene. From 1966 to 1969, Vanciel served as an educator on the New Mexico District. He later accepted a specialized assignment to the island of Saipan from 1990 to 1992.
Vanciel received a Bachelor of Arts in religion from Pasadena Nazarene College (now Point Loma Nazarene University), a Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary, a Master of Arts in social science from Sacramento State University, and a Doctor of Ministry from the California Graduate School of Theology.
He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, of 65 years.
Prayer is requested for the Vanciel family. 
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Global Ministry Center News
In Memoriam
The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the
Lord. Notices were received February 10-14, 2014.
Donald Collins Jr., 46, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away on February 9. He was a minister,
serving in Texas and Colorado. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Collins.
David Cronebaugh, 57, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on February 8. He was the husband of minister
Linda Cronebaugh, who served in Ohio and Illinois. 
Radhika Dabydeen, 61, of Hayden, Alabama, passed away on February 10. She was the wife of minister and
evangelist Robert Dabydeen, who pastors the Birmingham, Alabama, Center Point Church of the Nazarene. 
Lawrence Jantz, 88, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away on February 7. He was a retired minister
and educator, serving in Oklahoma, Illinois, Missouri, Michigan, and Colorado. He was preceded in death by
his wife, Dolores (Foth) Jantz, who passed away in 2009.
Zena Toussaint, 86, of Brooklyn, New York, passed away on February 3. She was a minister, serving at the
Brooklyn, New York, Beulah Church of the Nazarene. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lecious
Toussaint, who passed away in 2003. (story)
Brian Vanciel, 90, of Visalia, California, passed away on January 24. He was a retired minister, missionary,
and educator, serving in New Mexico, Arkansas, California, Haiti, and Saipan. He is survived by his wife,
Evelyn Vanciel. (story)
William Van Meter Jr., 69, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, passed away on February 8. He was the pastor of the
Hebron, Ohio, Church of the Nazarene. He is survived by his wife, Raymona Van Meter. (story)
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section on ncnnews.com by clicking here.
Note: Please join with us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones. Click on names for full stories,
funeral information, local online obituaries, and/or guest books (if available). To submit an entry of a minister or
church leader, send to submitnews@ncnnews.com.--Compiled by NCN News
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GMC employment opportunities
he following positions are available at the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center:
Global Ministry Center Media — Video Production Manager
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries — Computer Programming Coordinator
USA/Canada Nazarene Youth International — Program Assistants (2)
Located in Lenexa, Kansas, the Global Ministry Center is the administrative, mission, and service hub for the denomination's ministries in 159 world areas. All GMC positions report to this location. For contact information, click on one of the job titles listed above.
Our Non-Discrimination Policy
The Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center offers equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, sex, or veteran status. The Global Ministry Center is an "at will" employer.
Our Faith-Based Organization
We are a faith-based organization. Acceptance of our Christian Code of Conduct is required and membership in the Church of the Nazarene is required for certain positions. The GMC and applicable remote work sites are smoke, alcohol, and drug free Christian workplaces.
Application Processing
Our Human Resources Office receives and processes many employment applications annually for a limited number of positions. While we regret that we cannot respond to each applicant, we do contact those individuals possessing the skills, education/training, and experience that best match the requirements of the open position for which the application was submitted.
An application must be completed by all applicants and an application must be completed for each position for which one wishes to be considered. Applications are retained for one year. Resumes are not necessary for entry-level positions, but they are preferred for professional level positions. Resumes may be submitted by mail.
Applying for Employment with the GMC
Application forms may be requested by calling (913) 577-0500, or obtained in person from Human Resources at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, Kansas, 66220, Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30 Central Time. Completed applications may be mailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office at the same address.
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Resources
Lay leaders: January 2014
SDMI's The Discipleship Place congratulates the following individuals approved by their pastor and local church board to receive a certificate of lay ministry. Upon approval, they will complete lay ministry courses.
David R. Boblitt II, Odon Church of the Nazarene, Southwest Indiana District
Tracy M. Hargrove, Port Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene, Philadelphia District
Deborah Walls, Aztec Church of the Nazarene, New Mexico District
Eric Walls, Aztec Church of the Nazarene, New Mexico District
The Discipleship Place also congratulates the following people who completed courses in the month of January:* 
Joetta B. Allen, Memphis Friendship Church of the Nazarene, Tennessee District
Telling the New Testament Story of God
Angela Chapman-Welch, Hendersonville Church of the Nazarene, Tennessee District
Exploring John Wesley's Theology
Roland Chopfield, Woodville Church of the Nazarene, Virginia District
Communicating the Gospel in a Pluralistic World, Exploring John Wesley's Theology
Juan Carlos Espino, Toronto Emmanual Church of the Nazarene, Canada Central District
Telling the Old Testament Story of God
Felipe Garcia, San Fernando Church of the Nazarene, Los Angeles District
I Corinthians, II Corinthians, Acts, Galatians, Gospel of John, Gospel of Luke, Romans
Michael Imboden, Pomeroy Church of the Nazarene, South Central Ohio District
Telling the Old Testament Story of God
Robert LeMesurier, Didsbury Zion Church of the Nazarene
Exploring John Wesley's Theology
Desmond Humphrey Madurai, Grace Church of the Nazarene, Republic of South Africa Kwa Zulu Natal District
Telling the Old Testament Story of God
Jack McConnell, Shreveport Huntington Park Church of the Nazarene, Louisiana District
Communicating the Gospel in a Pluralistic World, Exploring Nazarene History and Polity
Timothy D. Morrill, South Shore Church of the Nazarene, Southern Florida District
Practicing Wesleyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation, Telling the New Testament Story of God, Telling the Old Testament Story of God
Donna Phelps, Hanover Church of the Nazarene, Virginia District
Telling the Old Testament Story of God
Marsha Rye, Lake Houston Church of the Nazarene, South Texas District
Telling the Old Testament Story of God
Linda L. Schultz, Albuquerque Heights First Church of the Nazarene, New Mexico District
Telling the Old Testament Story of God
Terrence Steward, La Grange Church of the Nazarene, Guyana Demerara Essequibo District
Communicating the Gospel in a Pluralistic World, Practicing Wesleyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation
Sue Stroud, North Vernon Church of the Nazarene, Indianapolis District
Communicating the Gospel in a Pluralistic World, Exploring John Wesley's Theology, Exploring Nazarene History and Polity, Practicing Wesleyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation, Telling the New Testament Story of God, Telling the Old Testament Story of God
Please note: The above individuals are being recognized because they contacted DiscipleshipPlace.org to request a certificate of completion. Many individuals complete courses but do not contact organizers to be recognized.--Compiled by DiscipleshipPlace.org of Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International
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Collegiate News
New chair for Olivet's Engineering Department
Olivet Nazarene University announced the appointment of R. Shane Ritter as the new chair of the university's
Department of Engineering, effective July 1.
Ritter has 25 years of experience in the engineering design industry and is the owner and director of electrical
engineering with Ritter Engineering, P.C. He is also a licensed professional engineer in 38 states and Canada
and has served as the director of electrical engineering/principle electrical engineer with Perigon International.
Both companies are based in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area.
As department chair and professor of electrical engineering, Ritter steps into a booming engineering program
where student enrollment has tripled within the last five years. To accommodate the growing program,
engineering design labs and a new three-story wing dedicated to the study of technology and innovation are
being added to Olivet's Reed Hall of Science.
"We are excited to have Dr. Shane Ritter joining Olivet's faculty," said Houston Thompson, dean of the School
of Professional Studies. "He brings a diverse and rich background of engineering experience that will serve our
students well. He is passionate about missions, enabling us to continue our focus on 'missioneering' —
connecting engineers and missions."
Ritter will help train young engineers for leading companies, mission organizations, and the world.
"As Christian engineers, we are to apply our knowledge and training for the purpose of bringing hope to the
hopeless in the name of Jesus Christ," he said. "I'm excited about this opportunity to influence young
engineers in realizing this goal and approach in their lives."
Ritter's entire professional and academic career has involved working with and studying light. Since 2006, he
has conducted research in the field of meta-materials and their effects on light and electromagnetic waves.
The ultimate goal is to develop the perfect lens and cloaking materials. Both of these efforts involve the
development of new types of materials that can be produced using MakerBot or 3D printers.
He is also working with Michael Fiddy of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to write An Introduction to
Inverse Imaging from Scattered Fields — a senior to graduate-level textbook for engineering, physics and/or
mathematics students and professionals.
Ritter holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in electrical engineering from Mississippi
State University, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering degree from UNC Charlotte.
He is certified as a registered communications distribution designer by the Building Industry Consulting Service
International; holds the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions Lighting Certification;
and is a USGBC (U.S Green Building Council) LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design)
Accredited Professional.
During his professional career, Ritter also worked for Padia Consulting, Syska Hennessy Group, TLC
Engineering for Architecture, and Harrell, Mantai & Hopper, P.C. (formerly Telesis Solutions). He has also
served as an adjunct faculty member for ITT Technical Institute and the University of Phoenix.
He and his wife, Julie, are the parents of eight children and have one grandson.--Olivet Nazarene University
Related (November 2013): "Heart attack claims life of Olivet professor during biking event"
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SNU Peer Learning Network hosts 9/11 survivor
Veteran information technology salesman Michael Hingson once had a job interview scheduled with a technology company that was abruptly canceled. 
The headhunter who arranged the interview phoned Hingson a few days beforehand and asked: "I see you've worked with blindness-oriented organizations. Is someone in your family blind?"
"I'm blind," Hingson said. 
His meeting was called off early the next morning.
Hingson, who holds a master's degree in physics, was far from surprised. According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, 70 percent of employable blind workers are unemployed and that's primarily because employers reject their capabilities, said Hingson, who uses a talking smartphone, talking email, and other tools.
More people are listening to Hingson's message now that he has a platform on which to deliver it.
A former regional sales manager for the Fortune 500 company Quantam storage solutions, Hingson — with the help of his late guide dog Roselle — successfully escaped the 78th floor of the north tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11 and wrote about it in the 2011 New York Times bestseller Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog & the Triumph of Trust.
"The real story isn't how I got out of the World Trade Center, it's how I got there in the first place," Hingson, 63, told a group of Oklahoma City professionals who gathered for lunch Thursday at the Skirvin Hilton hotel after his speech at the Petroleum Club was canceled due to weather.
"I've had a lifetime to develop the skills needed to navigate through a world not set up for me," Hingson said. "Blindness isn't a handicap; the real handicap comes from the prejudices people have about blindness."
His 9/11 escape
At 8:46 a.m. on September 11, Hingson heard a tremendous boom. The building shuddered violently, groaned, and slowly tipped some 20 feet. Hingson, who suspected a gas explosion, and a colleague exchanged tearful goodbyes before the tower miraculously stopped tilting. Guests, who were there for Quantam seminars, started screaming and running toward the exits. Hingson clutched Roselle's harness and, with his left foot by her right paw, gave the command "Forward."
"A lot people romanticize, and usually overplay, the role of a guide dog," Hingson said. "Their role is to take me in a straight line, and to walk safely. But the dog doesn't know where to go. I'm the navigator; she's the pilot."
On 9/11, Hingson constantly encouraged Roselle, who was afraid of thunder and heard a lot of thundering sounds that day. 
"There was no time to be scared," he said. "The key was not let her think I was afraid, and have confidence in me to direct."
Together, the pair descended 1,463 steps. Each floor had 19 stairs: 10 stairs, a 180-degree turn, and nine more stairs. Again and again. It took them roughly an hour after the explosion to get out.
On the way down, Hingston's life did indeed flash before him. 
"I constantly was looking for memories to help me survive," he wrote in his book.
Southern Nazarene University's Peer Learning Network and The Oklahoma Business Ethics Consortium are offering two backup opportunities to hear Hingson at 7 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., April 3 at the Petroleum Club. To register, or for more information, visit okethics.org or call (405) 889-0498.
Reprinted with permission from The Oklahoman
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NCN Sports
Pioneers welcome new head football coach
Brian Willmer is the new head football coach at MidAmerica Nazarene University, the sixth in the program's history. He comes to MNU after coaching 15 seasons at Azusa Pacific University, the last eight as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach. 
The APU Cougars were conference champs in 2013 after just their second year in NCAA Division II.
Willmer replaces former NFL quarterback Jonathan Quinn as MNU's head coach. Quinn resigned in January after a 45-13 career record at MNU to take the head coach position at Davidson Academy in Nashville, Tennessee. MNU finished 5-5 last season.
"We are excited that Brian is joining our athletics program and look forward to his leadership," said David Spittal, president of MNU. "His excellent coaching experience, his leadership, and strong commitment to Jesus Christ are recognized by all who know him."
Willmer has coached all defensive positions, coordinated special teams, directed football operations, and organized all of Azusa Pacific's football recruiting efforts.
During his tenure at Azusa Pacific, Willmer personally coached two NAIA All-America honorees and an All-Great Northwest Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He helped lead the Cougars to multiple playoff appearances, including two NAIA semifinals.
"My wife, Lindsay, and I want to thank Dr. Spittal, [MNU Athletic Director] Kevin Steele, and MNU for giving us this opportunity," he said. "We are privileged to be part of the MNU community and we look forward to building into the young men on this team. The game of football is a powerful vehicle to shape men and I am excited to see these players grow both spiritually and personally through the game of football."
A four-year letterman at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and captain of the 1997 team, Willmer established himself as the Bruins' top linebacker during his junior and senior seasons, both years leading the team in tackles and being named Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 linebacker. 
Willmer, 39, holds both a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in higher education and organizational change from UCLA. He teaches in Azusa Pacific's Exercise and Sports Science program.
He will be joined by his wife, Lindsay, and their daughters, Emma (11), and Addie Joy (9), son Titus (5), and twins Gwenyth and Nehemiah (4).
"It is a privilege to welcome Brian, Lindsay, and the rest of the Willmer family to the Pioneer family," Steele said. "He's an exceptional man and coach with an excellent record of developing young men while winning football games. Brian brings energy, vast experience, knowledge, and passion to our program, and I expect him to lead the Pioneer football program to new levels of success both on and off of the field. Brian separated himself from a very impressive list of applicants through his record, his love for the Lord, and his desire to be intentional about building young men in a world where there are too few examples of Godly men."--MidAmerica Nazarene University
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Contact us: 
Nazarene Communications Network 
17001 Prairie Star Parkway 
Lenexa, KS 66220 United States 
Voice: (913) 577-0562 
Fax: (913) 577-0857 
Email: ncnnews@ncnnews.com 
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